How to Clean an Area Rug

How to Clean an Area Rug

For a lot of us, area rugs make a big difference in our room. It can add color for function; keep a cold floor warm on your feet. Rugs provide a soft place for family and friends to sit and play games, watch movies, or just sit and have a good visit with a glass of red wine. Rugs can be a big investment for many of us and we want it to last as long as it can. But at some point, our area rug is bound to suffer a few stains. And while you could send it off for a professional to care for it, it won’t be cheap. If you are willing to put in the time and energy, you can care for your rug at home. Here is a handy dandy do-it-yourself ** guide that will help keep your area rug lasting you and your family for many years.

Materials and Tools Needed:
Vacuum
Rubber gloves (if you want)
Rug cleaner or mild dish detergent
Bucket
Sponge
Soft bristled brush
Squeegee
Water—lots and lots of water (get that water hose out!) or Power washer
Tarp

DIRECTIONS
1. Prepare Your Rug
You are going to want to thoroughly vacuum your rug Do this on both sides to remove any loose dirt, hair, fur...

2. Test for Colorfastness
Be sure to follow the mixing instructions on a store-bought rug cleaner or you can add a couple of capfuls of mild dish detergent to a bucket of warm water. It would be best not use hot water, as it may shrink fibers or fade color. Test the solution on a small corner of the rug to make sure it doesn’t make the colors run. Proceed to the next step if everything is okay.

3. Cleaning
You can use a sponge or brush for this step depending on the stain or condition of the rug. Work a lather of shampoo or detergent deep into the rug. Allow the solution to sit on the rug and work for several minutes before rinsing.

4. Rinsing
Use a garden hose and thoroughly rinse the rug. You will want to make sure the water is running off the rug clear to ensure all of the cleaning product is rinsed out. If you own one, a power washer would work great as well. Just be sure to rinse out all of the cleaner or soap before drying.

5. Remove Excess Water
Grab the squeegee to squeeze out as much water from the rug as you can. Be sure to work only in the direction of the rug’s nap.

6. Drying
Lay your rug flat to dry, you can use a tarp to lay the rug on so it does not get dirt or grass on it. Once the top side is dry, flip it over so the bottom can dry as well.

7. Vaccum
Use a vacuum or soft-bristled brush to loosen up the fibers on the rug. This will bring new life back to it. Return your rug to the room and enjoy! Follow these steps to revive all of your rugs, large or small, in your home. Daily foot traffic can make a rug look dingy, but this simple remedy can make it easy to make look like new again.

Ashley Homestore
Thank you for allowing Ashley Homestore to warm up your space. We understand you will want to enjoy your beautiful area rug for as long as possible. Regular care and cleaning will ensure a lasting accent in your home. Stop by Ashley Homestore or visit us at www.ashleytx.net to view our selection of rugs and accessories for your home.

** Ashley Homestore and the third party are not responsible for any damage or errors that occur to your furniture if you try these tips. This How-To video was created by a third party and the statements and information in the video are not the opinions of Ashley HomeStore.

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